Ways to Deal With the Loss of a Child

Grief
March 26, 2025

One of the most painful things a person can experience is losing a child.

It might appear as if no form of grief support can help.

However, it is worth trying some ways to deal with the loss of a child.

Routines can be helpful for people to handle the loss of a child.

Your typical routine can help you or your family to regain a sense of normalcy.

However, there are likely to change due to the loss of your child that won't go unnoticed.

You will likely get much attention and support from friends and family after losing a child.

The loss of a child is a period that will be very challenging.

Accepting the support of others is essential as it will help you deal with the loss of a child.

The support received from friends and family might not be enough to get through the loss of a child.

You can consider receiving professional help for you and for your family.

Professionals with experience on how to deal with the loss of a child will be helpful in the grief process of losing a child.

Find out how to deal with the loss of a child below:

Maintain Routines 

Routines are habits that are developed over time.

It is easy to fall out of your routine and into a slump.

This could lead to other consequences for your mental and physical health.

It is vital to avoid falling into a slump.

Try to maintain your old routine as best as you can.

For example, you can continue routines like going to school, work, having family dinners, or other family activities.

Routines can be a welcome distraction for most people.

They can also help you recover a sense of normalcy for your family.

You can use routines to help yourself and your family to deal with the loss of a child.

You might have some challenges in changing some parts of your routine.

After the loss of a child, things in your family are likely going to switch to some degree.

It is essential to acknowledge the change rather than trying to pretend there was no change.

Accept Help

The loss of a child is excruciating for the parents of the child.

The normal societal response is that you receive an outpour of support from the public.

It might not be easy to accept the support of others in this situation.

However, it is vital to accept support. You will likely be incapacitated in many ways.

You can allow your friends and family to offer assistance.

For instance, you can receive meals from the neighbors.

This can be an immense help because it might be too tasking for you to make your food.

You might fall into despair if you try to handle everything by yourself.

Beyond chores, errands, and food, you will need another form of support: listening ears.

Your friends, family, and extended community can give you a platform to express your grief to the extent you want.

Feel free to ask for their help when you need it.

Your community of support is likely going to be willing to help you.

Although they might be lost on how to offer support, the desire might be in them.

One of the ways you can deal with the loss of a child is to accept the support of your community.

Seek Professional Help 

Grieving the loss of a child could be too much to bear.

Even with the support of your spouse, friends, and family, you might struggle to find any motivation.

Consider seeking professional help.

The loss of a child can put a strain on your relationships.

Consider receiving couples or group therapy with your family.

Sometimes receiving help together can help to get through an enormous loss.

It is also possible that your family is grieving differently from you.

Grief is personal, and each person grieves differently.

You can receive individual counseling if you believe it will help.

There are also support groups for people that have suffered similar losses.

Support groups can be an alternative to other forms of seeking professional help.

The most essential part of receiving professional help is finding a way to deal with the loss of a child.

An empty park.

Channel Your Emotions Into Something Good

Despite grieving with your family, each person has to experience grief personally.

One of the ways to deal with the loss of a child is to handle your grief personally through an outlet.

You can find different ways and outlets to express your feelings.

You can make your outlet a way to process your feelings.

You can begin with an artistic outlet like painting, drawing, or poetry.

Creative outlets can be effective at helping people process their feelings.

You can also consider any outlet, including old hobbies or trying new activities.

Some people might enjoy more physical outlets to channel their grief, like exercise or boxing.

Journalling your thoughts and feelings is another effective outlet for dealing with intense grief.

Finding a healthy and safe way to process your grief is important.

You can also share your creative outlet with your family if you want.

The most vital part of an outlet is to manage your emotions healthily.

Stick Together 

In times of crisis, people tend to break off.

There are very few possible crises of greater significance than the loss of a child.

You are prone to falling into a pit of isolation, away from friends and family.

The support of your family and friends can be necessary to survive the loss of a child.

It is important not to push the people around you.

Your spouse is typically an integral support pillar to lean on and deal with the loss of a child.

A family is a strong unit that is designed to provide support for each other.

In the most challenging moments, you need your family the most.

You can find comfort in family members experiencing similar things.

Although your family may face trying moments after losing a child, it is essential to remember that all families have ups and downs.

A family that stays together is more likely to recover from the loss of a child.

Conclusion

The loss of a child is a deplorable occurrence in the parents' lives.

It is likely the family will require grief therapy to be able to pass through such as event.

Some ways that can help to deal with the loss of a child, such as sticking to routines, accepting help, seeking professional help, using an outlet, and sticking together as a family.

Resources 

https://www.verywellfamily.com/coping-with-the-sudden-death-of-a-child-2609745

https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-the-Death-of-Your-Child

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/loss-of-a-child/

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/mental-health/a709005/how-to-deal-with-the-loss-of-a-baby/

https://childmind.org/article/helping-children-deal-grief/

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Grief

The holidays were always my loved one's favorite time of year. What can I do to honor their memory?

There are many ways you can honor your loved one's memory during the holidays. You could decorate in their favorite colors, play their favorite music, make their favorite food, or even just talk about them often throughout the holiday season. You could also create a new tradition in their memory, such as planting a tree or making a donation in their name.

When is grief usually the worst?

Grief can be particularly intense in the early days following a loss. However, it's not uncommon for grief to become more pronounced at certain times, like at night or in the morning. This can be due to the mind being busy processing the events that happened.

What are some healthy ways to cope with the pain of a breakup?

There are many healthy ways to cope with the pain of a breakup. Some strategies include engaging in self-care activities, writing in a journal, reaching out to loved ones for support, and reframing your perspective. Additionally, seeking professional help can be an important step toward healing after a breakup.

What can happen if I don't seek help for my grief?

Ignoring grief can exacerbate symptoms and make it more challenging to manage over time. This can result in a negative impact on your personal, professional, and social life, leading to feelings of isolation, chronic sadness, and even physical health complications.

Why does grief seem worse in the morning?

Grief can seem worse in the morning as the reality of the loss is often one of the first thoughts upon waking. This can be particularly true if you shared many mornings with the person who has passed away during wonderful years spent together.

What are some things I can do to heal from my grief during the holidays?

There are a few things you can do to help ease your pain during the holiday season. First, try to avoid triggers that may cause you to feel sad or upset. Triggers can be anything from certain songs or smells, to seeing certain people or places. If you know there will be triggers at holiday gatherings, try to arrive late or leave early if possible. You can also try to create new traditions that don't involve the triggers.